Kirby And The Forgotten Land Release Date, Gameplay, And Co-Op - What We Know So Far

While fans still have a little waiting to do before they're able to go hands-on with "Kirby and the Forgotten Land," the most recent Nintendo Direct offered players the next best thing. During the February 9th Nintendo Direct, the publisher provided viewers an intimate look at some of the new gameplay elements the upcoming title will feature. "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" aims to deliver an entirely new "Kirby" experience for players, offering the franchise's first foray into a fully 3D space. Taking some clear inspiration from other Nintendo franchises that have made the jump from 2D to 3D — like "Super Mario 3D World" – "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" is supplementing its newfound third dimension with a bountiful array of new abilities and gameplay features.

The Nintendo Direct revealed the new Mouthful Mode and showed the different ways players will use the new ability during Kirby's latest adventure. Alongside some additional highlights showing off the world, enemies, and the game's elusive release date, players have even more reason to get excited for "Kirby and the Forgotten Land." Here's what we know so far about the title's gameplay, co-op, and release date.

While "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" is still a "Kirby" title at heart, the latest adventure of the pink puff ball will take some decisively different approaches to gameplay. Traditionally confined to the 2D space for the majority of its existence, fans are no stranger to side-scrolling across stages as Kirby consumes his foes and inherits their traits. This time, players will be controlling Kirby across a fully 3D world and adding some new skills to their toolset.

In addition to the gameplay changes and updates that'll accompany the series' transition to 3D, Mouthful Mode will be one of the more significant additions. Players will be able to add more to the list of terrible things Kirby's consumed once they're able to play around with Mouthful Mode, as it seems to no longer limit Kirby's consumption to enemies. Kirby can now suck up inanimate objects like cars or scissor lifts, among loads of other unique options too. Mouthful Mode will open up experiences that were never before possible, like gliding around the sky or becoming a living lightbulb.

"Kirby and the Forgotten Land" will feature co-op, much like predecessor titles "Kirby  Battle Royale" and "Kirby and the Rainbow Curse." Not only is it exciting for "Kirby" fans to learn they'll be able to experience the latest entry alongside a partner, but considering this will mark the franchises first 3D adventure as well, it'll make for a doubly interesting adventure with a friend. While friends joining in won't be able to take direct command of the pink protagonist with an interesting design history, they'll still get to control a character with a few fearsome tricks up their sleeve.

The second player taking up reigns in "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" will play as Bandana Waddle Dee and they'll use a spear as their main method of attack. It's a nice way to tie in the fact that along the course of Kirby's adventure, the hero will help rescue other Waddle Dees and help them rebuild their village. What better partner is there to join Kirby in rescuing the other Waddle Dees from the mysterious new foes?

Players finally have a solid release date set for "Kirby and the Forgotten Land." Initially slated for a vague 2022 window, the title has since been announced to release on March 25, 2022. This is good news for fans eagerly awaiting the new game, as it's only a little more than a month away. The title will, of course, release on Nintendo's Switch, making it even easier for players to take advantage of the title's co-op features. 

While Kirby isn't following the recent industry trend of getting his own big, open world adventure ala "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" or "Pokémon Legends: Arceus," the franchise is seeing a notable advancement in the right direction with its long-awaited move from 3D to 2D. Now, all that's left is for players to wait just a little bit longer before they're able to jump in.